On Sunday, June 5th, the longest-running comedy venue in New York City, the Comic Strip Live! celebrated the 35th Anniversary of open its doors. A party took place in the hallowed halls of the club where comedians and guests mingled and reminisced about their favorite times at the Strip.

J.J. Ramirez, Richie Tienken, Barry Berry & Stu Trivax

Along with the current roster of Comic Strip Live! talent, many of the first comedians to grace the stage came back soak in the scents of the building that for so many years early in their career, they called home. Guests included Gilbert Gottfried, Elayne Boosler, Alan Colmes, Wayne Federman, Judah Friedlander, Joe Bolster, Henriette Mantel, D.F. Sweedler and more.

Wayne Federman & William Stephenson

While the event had much time for meet-and-greet and socializing, there was also an extended presentation where comedians, staff, and owners shared their thoughts and memories with the capacity. One of the most compelling moments of the evening came when owners Richie Tienken and Robert Wachs gave riveting speeches where they shared their memories on first opening the club, how things have progressed through the last 35 years and how the club is now.

Owner Richie Tienken delivering a rousing, inspiring speech to the comedians, staff and long-time friends of the club

Co-owner Robert Wachs speaking about his memories of the club since opening it in May of 1975.

The celebration was a great opportunity for old “war buddies” to reconnect after having spent years going off their own ways as well as a chance to let younger comics meet their heroes who first inspired them to get into the funny business. Many members of the Comic Strip’s original waitstaff from 1975 were also on hand to take in the room that the maneuvered their way through so many years ago.

Elayne Boosler & Henriette Mantel out on 2nd Avenue in front of awning given to celebrate the clubs 25th anniversary.

Longtime friends Jim Mendrinos and Eddie Brill standing in front of a picture of Comic Strip original Eddie Murphy performing at the club.

Richie Teinken and Joe Bolster

Two of our current generations headliners, 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander and the hilarious Tom Van Horn

Elayne Boosler & JJ Ramirez

The evening was much more of a success than anyone could have imagined. With guests having traveling from near and wide to be on hand, there were many times throughout the evening when eyes became teary thinking about all of the wonderful years they have spent in the club. It was a night to remember.

On Facebook at least. We’ve hit the 5,000 friend limit (dang!) and we are shifting everything over to the NEW Comic Strip Live! Facebook “fan” page. We can add as many people as we want on this fan account.

This weekend at the Comic Strip Live!, we are proud to welcome back Louis Ramey! Louis is a former finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” as well as someone who has appeared on The Tonight Show and his own Comedy Central special “Comedy Central Presents: Louis Ramey.”

A hearty round of congratulations is due to long-time friend of the Comic Strip Live! Ben Bailey on winning his 2nd consecutive Daytime Emmy Award for hosting the popular Discovery Channel program Cash Cab. Bailey was nominated in the category of “Best Game Show Host,” the fifth time he has been awarded for his hard work with a nomination.

Bailey recently released his new one-hour stand up special “Road Rage & Accidental Ornithology” which is currently airing on Comedy Central. Check out a sneak peek!

The popular English entertainer has chosen the Comic Strip as one of his few stops while here in the States. Be sure to check him out while he is at the Comic Strip this Thursday night!

from his bio:

Bill Bailey is a comedian, musician and actor most well known for live shows Bewilderness and Part Troll, and his work on television in programmes such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Black Books.

Raised in the West Country, Bill was once in a group called “The Famous Five” – an unsuccessful band with only four members. Although a talented musician, Bill always felt an urge to slip jokes into the music. This didn’t work out so, harbouring theatrical ambitions, he spent the early 80s touring with a Welsh Experimental theatre troupe, and appearing on stage with the Workers’ Revolutionary Party. He supplemented these with stints as a lounge pianist, and a keyboard player in a jazz trio. It was a John Hegley gig that finally inspired him to fuse the music, jokes and theatricality and become a stand-up comedian.

One of the greatest comedic minds working today, Comic Strip Live! favorite Mr. Ted Alexandro has released a new country/hip-hop music video. Along with Hollis James, three-time Letterman performer represents the U.S of A to the fullest with this hilarious, patriotic anthem. Kick off your summer right, by watching this great video!

Here is a short clip of Ted working his magic on stage at the Comic Strip!

Great work Ted!

If you want to find out when you can catch Mr. Ted Alexandro live, keep an eye on our schedule.